Famous Paintings in the Musée d'Orsay: the Originals

1. The Origin of the World by Gustave Courbet, 1866
2. The Luncheon on the Grass by Édouard Manet, 1863
3. Dance at the Moulin de la Galette by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1876
4. Starry Night Over the Rhone by Vincent van Gogh, 1888
5. Arrangement in Grey and Black by James McNeill Whistler, 1871
6. Olympia by Édouard Manet, 1863
7. Gare Saint Lazare, Pari by Claude Monet, 1877
8. The Card Players by Paul Cézanne, 1893
9. The Great Bathers (The Nymphs) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1919
10. The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet, 1857

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   Gustave Courbet (1819–1877)

   1. The Origin of the World by Gustave Courbet, 1866

   Musée d'Orsay, Paris1866Oil on canvas46 × 55 cm

   This strikingly direct depiction of a reclining nude female torso challenges conventional artistic representations, rejecting idealized beauty standards in favor of raw, unapologetic realism. Executed with remarkable skill in oil on canvas (46 x 55 cm), the painting showcases Courbet’s mastery of anatomy, light, and shadow.

   The originalOriginals by Gustave Courbet

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   Édouard Manet (1832–1883)

   2. The Luncheon on the Grass by Édouard Manet, 1863

   Musée d'Orsay, Paris1863Oil on canvas208 × 265 cm

   Painted in 1863, this monumental work irrevocably altered the course of art history, serving as a pivotal bridge between Realism and Impressionism. This juxtaposition, daring for its time, immediately challenges traditional artistic norms. Initially rejected by the official Paris Salon – the prestigious annual exhibition – this artwork became a centerpiece of the infamous Salon des Refusés, an exhibition for works deemed unacceptable by the conservative jury. It subtly references classical pastoral scenes – like Titian's Pastoral Concert – but subverts them by placing the figures firmly within a contemporary context.

   The originalOriginals by Édouard Manet

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   Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919)

   3. Dance at the Moulin de la Galette by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1876

   Musée d'Orsay, Paris1876Oil on canvas131 × 175 cm

   The Moulin de la Galette was a popular destination for Parisians seeking escape and entertainment.

   The originalOriginals by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

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   Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)

   4. Starry Night Over the Rhone by Vincent van Gogh, 1888

   Musée d'Orsay, Paris1888Oil on canvas73 × 92 cm

   The composition is balanced by the horizon line, dividing the painting into two main sections: the sky above and the water below. Van Gogh's Post-Impressionist style is evident in the expressive use of color and bold brushwork. Starry Night Over the Rhone was painted during a prolific period in Van Gogh's life when he was living in Arles.

   The originalOriginals by Vincent van Gogh

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   James McNeill Whistler (1834–1903)

   5. Arrangement in Grey and Black by James McNeill Whistler, 1871

   Musée d'Orsay, Paris1871Oil on canvas144 × 162 cm

   Whistler intentionally minimized narrative detail, focusing instead on the harmonious interplay of form and color. The composition is strikingly asymmetrical, with his mother seated in profile occupying the right side of the canvas. “Whistler’s Mother” emerged during a period of rapid industrialization and societal change.

   The originalOriginals by James McNeill Whistler

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   Édouard Manet (1832–1883)

   6. Olympia by Édouard Manet, 1863

   Musée d'Orsay, Paris1863Oil on canvas130 × 190 cm

   To stand before this canvas is to meet a gaze that refuses to look away. The flowers being delivered by Laure suggest a transaction, a moment of commerce that grounds the scene in the everyday life of 19th-century Paris.

   The originalOriginals by Édouard Manet

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   Claude Monet (1840–1926)

   7. Gare Saint Lazare, Pari by Claude Monet, 1877

   Musée d'Orsay, Paris1877Oil on canvas75 × 104 cm

   A quintessential example of Impressionism, this piece prioritizes capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere over precise detail. The late 19th century witnessed a dramatic transformation in urban life fueled by the expansion of railway networks.

   The originalOriginals by Claude Monet

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   Paul Cézanne (1839–1906)

   8. The Card Players by Paul Cézanne, 1893

   Musée d'Orsay, Paris1893Oil on canvas97 × 130 cm

   The painting captures two men engrossed in their card game, their focused expressions hinting at both strategy and perhaps a deeper contemplation of fortune’s fickle hand. Created in Aix-en-Provence, France, during a period of significant social change, "The Card Players" reflects Cézanne’s fascination with the lives of rural laborers. The simple setting – a modest table, a bottle of wine, and worn clothing – speaks volumes about the hardships and realities of working-class life in late 19th-century France.

   The originalOriginals by Paul Cézanne

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   Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841–1919)

   9. The Great Bathers (The Nymphs) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1919

   Musée d'Orsay, Paris1919Oil on canvas60 × 110 cm

   The Great Bathers showcases this shift; though the dappled sunlight and vibrant color palette remain hallmarks of Impressionism, the figures possess a weight and monumentality absent in his earlier works. This blending of styles positions it as a bridge between Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Renoir’s lifelong admiration for the works of Rubens and Watteau is also evident here, particularly in the sensual depiction of the female form and the idyllic pastoral setting.

   The originalOriginals by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

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    Jean-François Millet (1814–1875)

    10. The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet, 1857

    Musée d'Orsay, Paris1857Oil on canvas84 × 111 cm

    Jean-François Millet chose to look closely at these figures, documenting a way of life that was often overlooked by the more idealized traditions of the time. The history of this work is marked by a series of significant transitions through private hands. It moved through various collections, eventually coming into the possession of the banker Ferdinand Bischoffsheim by 1889. The acquisition of the work by Jeanne-Alexandrine Louise Pommery marked a final chapter in its private history.

    The originalOriginals by Jean-François Millet

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   11. Two Women on the Beach

   Paul Gauguin · 1891

   Oil on canvas

   Seated on what appears to be a woven mat, their postures suggest contemplation and quiet connection. This work reflects his fascination with Polynesian culture, though it’s important to acknowledge that his interpretation was filtered through a Western lens.

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   12. The Angelus

   Jean-François Millet · 1858

   Oil on canvas · 55.5 × 66 cm

   The scene is set against a vast, open landscape under a soft, diffused sky, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation and hard work. "The Angelus" exemplifies his commitment to portraying the dignity and resilience of rural workers.

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   13. The Source

   Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres · 1820

   Oil on canvas · 83 × 163 cm

   The painting immediately establishes a sense of timelessness, echoing the grandeur of ancient Greek sculpture while simultaneously hinting at the burgeoning sensuality that would define Ingres’ later work. "The Source" was created during a period of significant artistic and intellectual ferment in France.

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   14. Irises in Monet's Garden

   Claude Monet · 1900

   Oil on canvas · 92 × 81 cm

   The painting depicts a lush garden scene dominated by fields of purple and blue irises. Painted in 1900, "Irises in Monet's Garden" reflects Monet's deep connection to his garden at Giverny, which he meticulously cultivated as both a sanctuary and an artistic subject.

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   15. Young Girls at the Piano

   Pierre-Auguste Renoir · 1892

   Oil on canvas · 116 × 90 cm

   Renoir's signature Impressionist style is evident in this artwork through its soft, flowing brushstrokes and emphasis on capturing light and color rather than fine details. The composition is balanced, with the two figures centrally placed, drawing the viewer's attention to their gentle interaction.

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   16. The Church at Auvers

   Vincent van Gogh · 1890

   Oil on canvas · 74 × 94 cm

   In "The Church at Auvers," he employs thick, visible brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette to convey the emotional depth of the scene. Created in the final months of van Gogh's life, "The Church at Auvers" reflects his evolving artistic style and his fascination with rural landscapes.

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   17. A Burial at Ornans

   Gustave Courbet · 1849–1850

   Oil on canvas · 315 × 668 cm

   Measuring an impressive 315 x 668 cm, “A Burial at Ornans” defied the expectations of academic art institutions accustomed to grand narratives and idealized figures. Upon its debut at the Salon of Paris in 1850, “A Burial at Ornans” provoked immediate uproar.

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   18. The Absinthe Drinker

   Edgar Degas · 1876

   Oil on canvas · 92 × 68 cm

   Edgar Degas ' "The Absinthe Drinker" (1876) is a poignant portrayal of Parisian café culture, capturing the solitude and introspection of urban life in the 19th century. Degas ' signature style shines through in this work, blending elements of Impressionism with his unique realism.

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   19. Dante and Virgil

   William-Adolphe Bouguereau · 1850

   Oil on canvas · 280.5 × 225.3 cm

   The painting immediately commands attention – not through overt horror, but through an unsettling stillness, a palpable sense of dread that permeates every detail. At first glance, the composition appears deceptively serene.

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    20. Camille Monet on Her Deathbed

    Claude Monet · 1879

    Oil on canvas · 90 × 68 cm

    This intimate portrait captures his first wife, Camille Doncieux, during her final illness, offering a poignant glimpse into the artist's personal life and his evolving Impressionist style. The artwork depicts Camille enveloped in what appears to be a veil or shroud, creating an atmosphere of mystery and introspection.

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    21. The Floor Scrapers (also known as The Floor Strippers)

    Gustave Caillebotte · 1875

    Oil on canvas · 102 × 146 cm

    Created in 1875, this piece offers a unique glimpse into the daily life of Parisian workers during the late 19th century. The painting depicts three shirtless men engaged in the laborious task of scraping and refinishing a wooden floor. "The Floor Scrapers" provides a snapshot of Parisian life during the late 19th century.

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    22. The Birth of Venus

    Alexandre Cabanel · 1863

    Oil on canvas · 130 × 225 cm

    This work arrived at the Paris Salon of 1863 to meet with immediate and great success, drawing eyes to the grace of her form and the mythological drama unfolding before the viewers. This particular iteration, dating from 1875, resides within the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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    23. The Painter's Studio

    Gustave Courbet · 1855

    Oil on canvas · 361 × 598 cm

    Dr. Steven Zucker begins his exploration of Gustave Courbet's monumental canvas, "The Painter’s Studio," at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, highlighting its significance as a pivotal moment in artistic history and rejecting from the official exposition. These individuals engage in conversation and activity, creating an atmosphere of intellectual ferment and artistic ambition.

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    24. Plowing in the Nivernais

    Rosa Bonheur · 1849

    Oil on canvas · 133 × 260 cm

    This juxtaposition is central to the work’s power; it suggests that amidst political turmoil, the fundamental values of labor and connection to nature remain steadfast. Interestingly, the painting was commissioned by the French government as a symbol of national unity and agricultural prosperity.

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    25. The Cradle

    Berthe Morisot · 1872

    Oil on canvas · 46 × 56 cm

    Berthe Morisot's "The Cradle" is a poignant portrayal of motherhood, capturing an intimate moment between a woman and her sleeping infant. Morisot's loose, expressive brushstrokes are characteristic of the Impressionist movement, which she helped pioneer alongside artists like Monet and Degas.

The Musée d'Orsay (Gare dOrsay, MO, Musee National dOrsay) — museum — in Paris, France. Its highlights: Impressionist masterpieces, Post-Impressionist works, Claude Monet paintings, Edgar Degas works, Vincent van Gogh paintings. Our catalogue lists 1,553 of its paintings and works on paper, by 346 artists, dated 1819 to 1952.